WA Government to boost advanced manufacturing capacity

The WA Government has launched a new prospectus, dubbed ‘Western Australia: Advancing the Future of Manufacturing’. The prospectus targets the government’s priority sectors for growth, including energy; defence; mining and mining equipment technology and services (METS); space industries; primary industries; and health and medical life sciences.

Stephen Dawson, who serves as Minister Assisting the Minister for State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade, released the prospectus at the inaugural meeting of the Advanced Manufacturing Council. Established to facilitate engagement between the Western Australian manufacturing sector and government, the Advanced Manufacturing Council will play a role in building the state’s manufacturing capability.

“Advanced manufacturing is not just what we make, but how we make it,” Dawson said. “This prospectus is a game changer and will profile WA’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and achievements on a national and international stage.”

Adopting advanced manufacturing technologies, processes and business models will enable WA manufacturers to increase their competitiveness in domestic and global supply chains and contribute to the value-adding potential of WA’s export industries. Growing advanced manufacturing capability will also help to diversify WA’s economy and generate secure local jobs for Western Australians.

The manufacturing sector is a substantial employer in the state, with more than 5100 local businesses involved in manufacturing. Technological innovation is being fostered through local companies such as Nexxis, specialising in manufacturing robotic inspection solutions in O’Connor, and also through Orthocell, developing cutting-edge medical technologies south of Perth.

“Western Australia’s manufacturing sector is the third largest contributor to our gross state product, contributing more than $18 billion in 2022–23,” Dawson said. “It’s critical that we build our onshore manufacturing ecosystem, and this prospectus is a significant step to building our sovereign manufacturing capability and shaping an economically strong and resilient Western Australia.”

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